Bell's Palsy, Why Me?

Bell's Palsy. Many of you have probably heard of it—that frightening experience where one side of your face suddenly becomes paralyzed. It truly appears out of nowhere one day, throwing us into a panic. But did you know that Bell's Palsy could also be a signal from our body? Today, I’d like to elaborate on how Bell's Palsy is connected to our body, mind, and immune system, from the perspective of traditional Korean medicine.

"Why on earth me? Why Bell's Palsy?"

Bell's Palsy literally means 'facial distortion' or 'deviation of the mouth and eye'. In most cases, it's known to be caused by viral infection. However, in traditional Korean medicine, it's not viewed simply as a result of a viral infection. We look at how our body, mind, and emotions are interconnected. If you're experiencing a lot of stress or a difficult mental situation, this is your body sending a signal. It's as if it's saying, "Hold on, please pay attention here. I'm having a tough time right now."

"So, how is it treated in traditional Korean medicine?"

The perspective on Bell's Palsy in traditional Korean medicine is somewhat unique. It's seen as a 'wind-cold (風寒)' condition caused by cold wind. In other words, external cold wind enters our body and blocks the meridians of the face. When this happens, the flow of Qi (氣) and Blood (血) becomes obstructed, resulting in facial paralysis. Treatment focuses on restoring the smooth flow of this blocked Qi and Blood, using acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, and so on. Acupuncture, in particular, is very effective at unblocking congested meridians. And it doesn't end there. We take a holistic approach, considering stress management, proper lifestyle habits, and mental health.

"Can I really get better?"

I, too, once suffered from Bell's Palsy. The fear and anxiety I felt then were truly indescribable. But with the help of traditional Korean medicine, and by starting to care for my body and mind, I slowly began to recover. Of course, treatment takes time and requires patience. But the important thing is not to give up and to consistently take care of yourself. Everyone, if Bell's Palsy has come upon you, it might be a signal from your body. It's saying, "Hold on, please pay attention here." Don't ignore that signal; why not explore traditional Korean medical treatment to examine your body, mind, and spirit? In that process, you might discover your own path to healing. Bell's Palsy is certainly a difficult experience, but it can also be an opportunity to realize how deeply our body and mind are connected. And that realization can lead us to a healthier and happier life. So, let's overcome this difficult time together. I always wish you good health!